VIDEO: Montana Skier Triggers Avalanche on Mt. Blackmore

^^^Skier triggered avalanche on the SE face of Mt. Blackmore. Crown is marked^^^

A skier on Mt. Blackmore in Montana triggered a soft slab avalanche with a width of 200 feet that traveled 300 feet downhill. Thankfully the skier was not caught in the slide. The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center warns that the snowpack in the area remains unstable. Read the full report on the slide below:

“A skier triggered an avalanche on the SE face of Blackmore today (12/12/23). He was not caught. The snowpack is unstable throughout our forecast area, so be careful. This is the 6th day of avalanches and/or audible collapsing of the snowpack.” –Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center 

Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center Report:

Mt Blackmore

Northern Gallatin

12/12/2023

Code: SS-ASu-R2-D2-O

Elevation: 9800

Aspect: SE

Latitude: 45.44440

Longitude: -111.00400

Notes: A skier triggered avalanche on the SE face of Mt. Blackmore. Crown is marked.

Number of slides: 1

Number caught: 0

Number buried: 0

Avalanche Type: Soft slab avalanche

Trigger: Skier

Trigger Modifier: u-An unintentional release

R size: 2

D size: 2

Bed Surface: O – Old snow

Problem Type: Persistent Weak Layer

Vertical Fall: 300ft

Slab Width: 200.00ft

Weak Layer Grain type: Faceted Crystals